Zika Virus: US Authorities Record First Sexually Transmitted Case, FG Puts All 36 States On Red Alert

Apart from all the damage it is doing to newborn babies (a condition called microcephaly which gives babies an underdeveloped or smaller than normal brain)in Brazil, Columbia and other countries, health authorities are saying that the first sexually transmitted case has been recorded in the US.

The authorities in Dallas, Texas, said the case involves an individual in Dallas County who was infected with the virus after contracting it in another country where the Zika virus is present. The individual then had sexual contact with the patient, who acquired the virus.

The Texas authorities didn’t provide any additional details about the individual except to make clear that the original infection occurred outside the United States.

Until now health officials have focused on mosquitoes as the primary carrier of the virus.

“Now that we know Zika virus can be transmitted through sex, this increases our awareness campaign in educating the public about protecting themselves and others,” said Zachary Thompson, the director of health and human services in Dallas County.

The symptoms of the virus in adults are relatively minor. They include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis lasting from several days to a week.

On Monday, Who declared a public health emergency over the Zika virus. Brazil, the country most affected, will receive international assistance to counteract the outbreak and spread of the virus.

The Federal Government has also put all the 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on a red alert following the declaration of Zika virus as an international public health emergency by WHO.

The Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes that transmit the Zika virus are found in Nigeria , hence the decision by the FG to ensure effective monitoring of the virus in line with global health practices.